Frog, Toad and friends visit kids at the Colgate Bookstore

HAMILTON >> The Utica Zoomobile brought in some slimy, scaly friends Feb. 21 to teach kids at Colgate Bookstore the difference between frogs and toads as well as amphibians and reptiles. The kids were assured these toads wouldn't give them warts.

The Frog and Toad Program started out Thursday, Feb. 21 with stories. Children's Program Director Heather Elia read "Frog and Toad Adventures" as well as "999 Frogs wake up" and "Toads on Toast." After the reading, Education Assistant Cathleen Mallory and volunteers Cory McKimstry and Kendall Carmody brought in some animals from the zoomobile to show to the kids.

John the American toad, Veruca the African bullfrog, Ira the Burmese python and Terry the diamondback terrapin were all brought in to show the kids the differences between amphibians and reptiles.

"Amphibians spend half their live in water and half their life on land," said six year old Aoife Douglas who was happy to answer Mallory's questions.

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"Amphibians have to stay wet in order to survive," Mallory said to the kids. "John has little bumps on his back that store water while Veruca has sticky skin to help trap water."

Mallory and her assistants let the kids touch each of the animals, but told them to careful and avoid their faces and only touch lightly so they don't hurt them. While the animals were being shown, Mallory told them more about the animals.

John was found at the Utica Zoo in the old bear enclosure where zoo staff rescued him. In addition to the sacks on his back that store water, John also has two venomous sacks that he discharges when he thinks he might be eaten.

Seven year old Christopher Markowski said he really liked getting to meet the amphibians and reptiles at the bookstore, and learned that frogs like to hop.

"I learned that some snakes aren't venomous," said eight year old Harry Rosbrook. "Toads keep water in sacks on their backs and they have venom that makes it so they don't taste very good."

Mallory said that the group shows animals often throughout the year and programs range from young kids to adults.

"With kids, we focus an easy things like visible differences and easy stuff," Mallory said. "When we teach adults though, we explain that some species are endangered or invasive."

While none of the animals they brought into the bookstore are on the endangered list, recent weather changes and diseases of significantly impacted frog and toad populations in other parts of the world. Mallory explained that Burmese pythons like Ira are considered an invasive species and are a nuisance in places like Florida.

The zoomobile visits the bookstore twice a year. The last time they were there, they showcased species that are native to New York State like the porcupine. Topics range from climate and ecosystem to simpler things like the starring animal in a children story.

Elia said that the next program at the Library will be a Dr. Suess presentation in honor of his 109th birthday on March 2 at 10 am.